Saxon: On our way. Package delivered.
ME: See you in VIP.
Putting it back, I leaned against the railing, my heart slowing as things began to fall into place. I spotted Loren a few seconds later, her long legs a beacon for my dick in those shoes, as the red dress swished against her thighs. She looked more impressive than she had at the last fight, and she was covered more this time. It was something I appreciated about her, though. The clothes didn’t wear her; she wore them. The outfit was only the vessel from which her seduction seeped, and I was starting to believe Loren could look sexy in a burlap sack if she wanted.
The golden retriever’s hand sat at the base of her back, and she leaned into his touch. I hadn’t been dramatic earlier when I said I didn’t want to watch her with the others just yet. The way my hand tightened on the railing confirmed my assumption. A small part of me wanted to steal her away and command no one else touch her.
But she wouldn’t respect that. And it would only make me lose her in the end.
I had to overcome this jealousy myself and not let it sour the careful re-do we had going for us.
When they made it to the top of the stairs, the guard let them in, knowing who she was by now. Sax had most of them on her detail over the last months, her presence being more evident at our home as well. I liked the way they deferred to her, though, already understanding her significance, even if nothing had been said or made formal yet.
Before, I hated how well she fit into this. Now, it made me want to fuck her against the wall with the need of how aroused it made me.
I couldn’t decipher if that was because I wanted to claim her so everyone else would back the fuck off, or if her demeanor and ability to bring me to my knees was the reason.
Either way, I had to shift the rock-hard cock in my pants before they neared, reminding myself we weren’t there yet.
My dick only seemed to agree because of the yet.
I had to agree with him on that. I loved the fact ‘yet’ was now part of the equation for us and we had a second chance.
“Bellezza, I assume you left my fighter ready to win?”
“Oh, I think he’ll definitely win.” She smirked, and I had a feeling she’d done something to incentivize Mr. Young.
“Well, I’m glad you’re here. Mr. Miller.” I nodded, acknowledging his presence. “Would you care to join us for a drink? Anything to eat?”
“Oh, yes, that would be great. Thank you.”
They followed me over to the teens' table, and Loren sat next to Jude, easily pulling them into a conversation. I motioned for a waiter who quickly arrived, ready to take our order.
“We’ll take one of each appetizer, and a round of drinks, whatever they’re wanting.”
“Yes, sir, of course.” He looked around the table, taking their drink orders as they listed them off, and I watched Loren, wholly entranced. Since I’d allowed myself to admit my attraction, and she knew who we were, I didn’t care to hide it any longer.
I listened to her talk with the kids and watched her, my arm perched on the back of the booth we found ourselves in. When my phone buzzed again, I didn’t know if I was relieved or pissed this time, since it stopped my game of imagining Loren naked with no one else around.
Seeing it was a call, I excused myself from the table and walked over to a quiet corner.
“Darren.”
“Just wanted to say hello, little Mascro, and make sure you got my message.”
“Hard to miss a finger, Darren. You do realize if you hurt any more of her, I will come after you and return the favor.”
“Ah, see, that’s where we differ. I don’t care about anyone but myself, Atticus. It’s why I had to get Jaz out of the way because she was the only one I did care for. Killing her, though, it freed me.”
The information was a punch to the gut, and I knew he wanted it to be. Grinding my jaw, I breathed slowly to keep my emotions in check. I wouldn’t fall prey to him.
“Did you have anything else to discuss, Darren? I’m busy. Your shipment will be delivered on time. I expect my cousin returned when it is.”
“Or what?”
“Or I come and take her myself.”
Hanging up, I didn’t want to give him time to respond for fear I’d give myself away, or he’d say something else that would crack me. There was too much at stake to break now. I stood back in the corner, going over the plan I’d made earlier, looking for all the weak spots. It was the only reason I could guess she was able to sneak up on me.